Program Summary
The course on International and Islamic Law explores the foundational principles, sources, and applications of both legal systems while examining their interactions and distinctions. International law governs relations between states, international organizations, and, in some cases, individuals. It includes areas such as human rights, diplomatic relations, trade, and armed conflict. Key sources include treaties, customary practices, general principles of law, and judicial decisions from international courts.
Islamic law, or Sharia, is derived primarily from the Quran and Sunnah, with secondary sources such as consensus (ijma) and analogical reasoning (qiyas). It governs various aspects of personal, social, and economic life, including family law, criminal justice, and financial transactions. The course examines the methodologies of Islamic jurisprudence (usul al-fiqh) and its historical development, alongside contemporary challenges in applying Islamic law in modern legal systems.
The course also explores areas where international and Islamic law intersect, such as human rights, conflict resolution, and financial regulations, analyzing compatibility and areas of divergence. By comparing these systems, students gain insight into legal pluralism and the role of religion in shaping legal norms across different jurisdictions.